Spring is here: The grass is turning green, flowers are budding, and birds are singing their songs from morning to night. Before you get too excited about the vegetation and the warmer weather, take a weekend to tend to your home's basic needs after a long winter. These important home maintenance tasks can save you time and money in the long run as well as prevent serious problems or safety hazards that could damage your home or put your family at risk.
11 Spring Homeowner Safety Tips:
- Clean all gutters: Gutters help protect every part of your home, so it's important to keep them clear and in good condition. In the spring, your gutters could be clogged with leaves, twigs and other debris that has accumulated from winter and the early spring bloom.
- Inspect all water pipes/hoses/faucets for leaks: Winter's freezing temperatures can cause serious damage to pipes and hoses of all types. Don't wait until next winter to find out you have a problem: check all faucets, hoses on appliances (such as the dishwasher and refrigerator) and pipes / plumbing--basically any element that runs water or connects a water source--for cracks, leaks or corrosion.
- Inspect sprinklers for any leaks: Turn on your irrigation system and look for uneven water pressure, such as water running too strong or too slowly. Also check the landscape for dry patches or over-watering.
- Clear driveways and walkways of deicer: If you liver in a colder climate and used deicer all winter, clear your driveways, walkways and sidewalks of any salt or chemicals that could harm nearby plants and animals.
- Service your AC unit now (don't wait until it is too hot): You can have your air conditioner serviced by a professional or do it yourself: the most important thing is that you don't wait until the heat is overwhelming to find out your unit isn't working.
- Service your lawnmower now (Don't wait until everyone else is): Have your mower professionally serviced or read the owner's manual carefully and take an hour to do it yourself. Check the oil and gas; change the filter and spark plug; sharpen the blade; and give it a good cleaning.
- Replace furnace filter: After cranking up the heat all winter, it's a good idea to replace the filter on your furnace before you forget (and winter rolls around again). This will save you money and improve the air quality in your home.
- Check water softener levels: It's important to check water softener levels every 3-4 months, and that will be easier to remember if you do it seasonally. Check the settings, salt levels, and clean the unit to ensure it's functioning properly.
- Have your furnace serviced and cleaned: Having your furnace professionally serviced can prolong its life, save you money, and prevent potential problems down the line.
- Inspect your water heater: Look for any bulges, leaks, or other damage. If something looks concerning, have it checked out right away by a professional.
- Inspect/test any sump pumps: Inspect your sump pump by examining both indoor and outdoor elements for any damage, ice buildup, or debris. (Be sure to unplug the unit before doing this.) Test the pump by unplugging the unit, separating the plugs, and plugging only the pump plug back in to make sure the pump is activated right away. Finally, run some water through your sump pump to be sure it's working properly.
For all of your home insurance questions, call or contact Wilson, Timmons & Wallerstein, Inc. today.